Asked yesterday about the possible impact of the service by WestJet, head of corporate communications at CAL Clint Williams told the Express: "CAL always welcomes competition. We have proven value to our loyal customers. We have an excellent and unique service and we have seen competitors come and go over the years."

WestJet was founded in 1996 by a team of Calgary entrepreneurs, headed by Clive Beddoe,

as a western Canadian regional carrier with three aircraft flying to five cities.

Today, WestJet is a low-fare airline offering scheduled service to 76 destinations

in Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean, with its fleet of 98 Boeing Next Generation 737 aircraft, according to its website westjet.com.